Full Lifecycle Management: This Is How China’s New Hazardous Chemicals Regulation Will Look

On May 1, 2026, China’s Hazardous Chemicals Safety Law will come into effect, introducing stricter obligations for manufacturers, importers, and operators, reinforcing traceability, training, and legal responsibility throughout the entire supply chain.

On December 27, 2025, the Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress of China approved the Hazardous Chemicals Safety Law, elevating the management of these substances to the level of national law, replacing the previous administrative regulation. Its goal is to ensure public and environmental safety through comprehensive lifecycle control of hazardous chemicals, from production, storage, and use to transportation and disposal.

The new law imposes strict requirements on all parties involved in the management and commercialization of hazardous chemicals:

• Complete registration and traceability: All hazardous chemicals must be registered and electronically labeled, with IT-based management systems enabling real-time tracking.
• Stricter licenses and permits: Companies that produce, use, or trade these substances must obtain specific licenses before starting operations.
• Management of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and labeling in Chinese: Manufacturers and importers must provide SDS and labels in compliance with national standards, updating them immediately upon any change in hazardous properties.
• Periodic safety assessments: Production and storage facilities must undergo safety evaluations every three years, and reports must be made public.
• Training and qualification of personnel: Mandatory training and assessments are required for all staff working with hazardous chemicals.
• Enhanced control in chemical parks: Requirements are set for official recognition, periodic risk assessments, and early warning systems.
• Transport under strict monitoring: Companies must implement real-time monitoring of vehicles and drivers, complying with stringent technical and safety standards.
• Stricter penalties: Fines are significantly increased, and a dual sanction system is introduced, holding both companies and responsible managers accountable.

The law will take effect on May 1, 2026, so companies operating in the Chinese market should use this period to review their management systems, update processes, and ensure staff training. Non-compliance may result in heavy fines, suspension of activities, and even criminal liability.

At Siam, we work to ensure that our clients are always up to date with the latest developments and regulatory changes affecting the chemical sector, both at a general level and within specific legislation in key markets, such as that established in China. We offer solutions, such as Chemeter, and specialized consultancy services to ensure regulatory compliance, facilitating the management of documentation, processes, and safety obligations with accuracy and reliability.